The 16 essentials you should pack the next time you go away
1 BURN GEL DRESSING
THIS dressing — such as Burnshield — is made from foam that is saturated with a watery gel said to dissipate heat from a burn and moisturise and soothe the skin. It may help minimise tissue damage and pain. Apply directly to the burn and cover with a bandage. Available online from £4. 0 each.
2 PAIN AND ALLERGY TABLETS
THE most common tablets you’ll need in a health emergency are painkillers and anti-allergy pills such as the antihistamines loratadine and cetirizine. As well as dealing with allergies, antihistamines also help with symptoms of reactions to insect bites or stings. Paracetamol is available in most pharmacies from 5p for a pack of 16; antihistamine tablets (which may contain loratadine or cetirizine) are available over the counter from most pharmacies from 99p for a pack of 14.
3 TWEEZERS
THESE can be used to remove debris such as splinters from a wound, as well as ticks or stings. Available in most pharmacies and online from £1.50 each.
4 PINS
NO FIRST aid kit should be without safety pins. They come in various sizes and can be used to secure slings, bandages and dressings. Available in most pharmacies and online from 0p for a pack of six.
5 DRESSING PAD
A DRESSING pad is absorbent and can be used for most wounds, including lacerations and minor burns. Secure it with tape. It will cushion the area and won’t stick to it, which minimises pain on removal. Available in most pharmacies and online from 16p each.
6 WATERPROOF PLASTERS
PACK a box of plasters, as they will come in a selection of shapes which will be useful for covering cuts and grazes of different sizes. Ensure they are individually wrapped and sterile. Use dressings for large wounds. Available in most pharmacies and online from 39p for a pack of ten.
7 STERILE DRESSINGS
PACK a sterile dressing to cover a wound, help stop bleeding and prevent infection. In case you need to treat a large wound, opt for individually wrapped sterile dressings with a bandage attached. Otherwise, use with a separate dressing pad and secure it with tape. Available in most pharmacies and online from 48p each.
8 REHYDRATION REMEDY
AN ORAL rehydration solution to drink, such as Dioralyte, helps our bodies replace salt and the other minerals we lose with severe diarrhoea and vomiting. Available in most pharmacies from £ .99 for six sachets.
9 SCISSORS OR SHEARS
PACK a pair of scissors — such as Tuff-Kut scissors — that have an angled tip to help avoid cutting the skin by mistake if you are trimming a bandage or dressing. They should also have a serrated blade to cut through materials, including clothing in an emergency. Available online from £2.10 each.
10 FOIL BLANKET
MADE from a special polyester film, this foldable blanket reflects more than 90 per cent of the heat that is radiated from the body, to help keep you warm. Use it for treating shock or hypothermia. Available online from £1.20 each.
11 STICKY TAPE
LOOK for microporous tape as this allows air to circulate to a wound and helps it heal. Use it to hold dressings and bandages in place. Available in most pharmacies and online from 70p each.
12 TRIANGULAR BANDAGE
THIS is the most useful bandage to pack, as it is highly versatile. It can be folded to make a sling for an injured arm or rolled up to make a narrower bandage. If sterile, it can also be used as a dressing for large wounds and burns. Available in most pharmacies and online from 48p each.
13 STERILE CLEANSING WIPES
THESE medical wipes are impregnated with sterile water. Use them to gently cleanse a wound before covering it with a plaster or bandage to stop the spread of germs. Available online from 74p for a pack of ten.
14 FACE SHIELD
A FACE shield — such as Revive-Aid — is a plastic film that provides a physical barrier between the person administering rescue breaths during CPR and the casualty. It has a one-way valve that protects the rescuer from infections or contamination while performing mouth-to-mouth. Place the mouthpiece into the casualty’s mouth and blow into the other side. Available online from 89p each.
15 DISPOSABLE GLOVES
USE disposable gloves to administer first aid — it reduces the risk of infection between you and the person you are helping. These gloves are latex-free, so are good if you are allergic. Available online from 47p for a pair.
16 TRAUMA DRESSING
THIS is a relatively new dressing that has a highly absorbent dressing pad, capable of absorbing over ten times its own weight in fluid, which is useful for heavy bleeding. It also applies pressure to a wound to stem bleeding and is secured with Velcro. Available online from £2.80 each.